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This module covers organisation design and organisation development and will enable learners to develop a critical understanding of the theory and conceptual framework of organisation design and of the principles and practices of organisation development.  Both are critical to our understanding of organisations and how they function and both reside within a framework of organisation theory. The module focuses on decisions that have to be made on the most appropriate organisational structure(s) to ensure delivery of organisational activity. Organisation design is about shaping an organisation to maximise its effectiveness, aiming for flexibility in delivery of its services. Through breaking down departmental barriers, seeking improved supply efficiencies, teamwork and collaboration and working towards better customer management and retention, organisations can enhance their performance and ensure that organisational goals and targets are achieved. Organisation design activities therefore focus on finding the most appropriate structures, relationships between departments and sections, and allocation of work activities, including definition of duties and role responsibilities. It has a clear link to performance management in that effective delivery of work and output will be measured and managed. The module also focuses on how an organisation’s culture, values and environment support and enhance organisational performance and adaptability. Organisation development is defined by CIPD as a ‘planned and systematic approach to enabling sustained organisation performance through the involvement of its people’. This might include how organisational members acquire new skills, knowledge and behaviours, and do things differently, often as part of the application of continuous improvement strategies. The concept of the ‘learning organisation’ as one of a number of organisation development strategies that might be adopted as part organisational change activities is also explored. The importance of cultural awareness in managing outcomes of design and development strategies, the practical applications of organisation design and organisation development concepts and the implications for the effective management of organisations and professional practice are considered.  The module requires critical reflection on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.

1. The historical and theoretical basis of organisation design and development and their context in terms of value and contribution to organisational life.
2. Available design options regarding organisational structures and relationships.
3. Processes and systems that need to be in place to maintain such structures and relationships, and evaluation of same.
4. Methods and procedures of organisation development and review their strategic impact.
5. Change management strategies and activities through the application of organisation development strategies, which might support organisation design and realignment outcomes.
6. Organisation culture, norms and behaviours.
7. The importance of the HR role in advising on these design and development choices and supporting their implementation.

On completion of the modules, students will be able to:

1. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the historical and theoretical basis of organisation design and development and their context in terms of value and contribution to organisational life.
2. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the available design options regarding structures and relationships.
3. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the processes and systems that need to be in place to maintain such structures and relationships and evaluation of same.
4. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the methods and procedures of organisation development and review their strategic impact.
5. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate possible change management strategies and activities, through the application of organisation development strategies, which might support organisation design and realignment outcomes.
6. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate organisation culture norms and behaviours.
7. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the importance of the HR role in advising on these design and development choices and supporting their implementation.

Work Based Learning delivery students will devise an agreed work plan with their Advisor to meet their individual learning needs to achieve the module learning outcomes

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.